Your Ayurvedic Kitchen
Incorporating kitchen herbs and spices into your diet in alignment with Ayurvedic principles can support your health and balance your doshas. Click on the items below to see how you can use some common kitchen herbs and spices:
Turmeric
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be added to curries, soups, stews, and even smoothies. It's particularly beneficial for balancing Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Ginger
Ginger aids digestion and can help alleviate nausea and inflammation. Use it in teas, stir-fries, curries, and as a flavouring in various dishes. It's excellent for balancing Kapha and Vata doshas.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels and adds a sweet, warming flavour to dishes. Use it in oatmeal, baked goods, smoothies, and curries. Cinnamon is beneficial for balancing Kapha and Vata doshas.
Coriander
Coriander seeds and leaves are both used in Ayurvedic cooking. Coriander supports digestion and detoxification and can be used in curries, salads, soups, and spice blends. It's beneficial for balancing Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Cloves
Cloves have antimicrobial properties and can aid digestion. They can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, such as rice pilafs, chai tea, and baked goods. Cloves are beneficial for balancing Kapha and Vata doshas.
Cardamom
Cardamom aids digestion and has a sweet, aromatic flavour. Use it in desserts, chai tea, curries, and spice blends. Cardamom is beneficial for balancing all three doshas, but especially Pitta.
Cumin
Cumin supports digestion and helps alleviate bloating and gas. It can be used in curries, soups, lentil dishes, and spice blends. Cumin is beneficial for balancing Vata and Kapha doshas.
Rosemary
Rosemary, with its pine-like flavour, enhances savoury dishes like roasted meats and vegetables. Rich in antioxidants, it supports digestion and cognitive function. Ayurvedically, it balances Kapha and Vata doshas with its warming and stimulating properties.
Fennel
Fennel, with its sweet and aromatic taste, aids digestion, reduces bloating, and freshens breath. Ayurvedically, it balances Pitta and Kapha doshas, promoting digestive fire (agni) and soothing digestive discomfort. Incorporating fennel seeds into meals or enjoying fennel tea can support digestive health and overall well-being.